About AATF
AATF works to provide farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with practical technology solutions to overcome farm productivity constraints and improve livelihoods. Founded in 2003, AATF is driven by the vision of a prosperous, resilient, food and nutrition-secure Africa, where the livelihoods of smallholder farmers are transformed through agricultural innovations. Active in 24 countries in East, Southern and West Africa, AATF is one of the continent’s foremost technology transfer organizations trusted by both private and public sector institutions over the past two decades. AATF’s work goes beyond product development to include commercialization and scaling of demand-driven technologies for sustainable development.
AATF works with a broad range of actors across the technology transfer value chain to nurture and strengthen Africa’s evolving enabling environment for agriculture technology. It takes strategic action towards better policy and regulatory systems through advocacy including convenings and dialogues to catalyze functional markets, seed systems and enabling environments for technology testing, delivery, and adoption.
Background and context
The OFAB Africa Media Awards (OMAs), now in its 8th year, recognizes exemplary journalism that promotes best practices in science reporting, with a focus on agricultural biotechnology. The OMAs rewards journalism that exhibits professionality and fosters public understanding of science and modern agricultural biotechnology. Held annually, the awards showcase exemplary contribution of journalists from OFAB chapters in ten countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Training objective
The primary objective is to strengthen the capacity of OFAB Media Awardees in effectively communicating complex scientific concepts, particularly in agricultural biotechnology, to diverse audiences. The trainer will help participants refine their skills in delivering accurate, compelling, and easily understandable science stories to the public.
Scope of work
- Design and deliver advanced science communication training tailored to the needs of journalists specializing in science reporting.
- Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps and strengths in the current communication approaches used by the awardees.
- Facilitate interactive sessions that focus on simplifying scientific jargon, storytelling techniques, and engaging with both lay and expert audiences.
- Enhance the media awardees’ ability to address myths, misconceptions and ethical issues surrounding biotechnology, ensuring balanced and factual reporting.
- Provide practical exercises, including case studies and feedback on participants’ work, to improve the clarity and impact of their science communication.
- Introduce best practices and the latest tools in digital science communication.
- Offer one-on-one coaching and mentorship to awardees as necessary.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the training through post-training assessments and follow-up.
Deliverables
- Training plan: A detailed outline of the training agenda, objectives, methods, and materials.
- Training modules: Tailored content covering core topics, such as science writing and editing, data visualization, multimedia communication, and digital storytelling.
- Workshop facilitation: Delivery of workshops in-person for the OFAB Media awardees.
- Training report: A comprehensive report on the outcomes of the training, including recommendations for further capacity building.
- Post-training evaluation: An assessment of the participants’ progress and feedback on the training impact.
Qualification of the judges
| Education: | A minimum of undergraduate degree in Journalism, communications, Public Relations, or equivalent academic credentials. |
| Experience: | At least 7 years of experience in science communication training, preferably with a focus on agricultural biotechnology or related scientific fields. Demonstrated expertise in simplifying complex scientific information for non-expert audiences. Strong experience in working with journalists, media professionals, or science communicators. Excellent facilitation skills, including interactive training techniques and the ability to engage diverse audiences. Knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms for science communication. Ability to provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. |
| Language requirements: | Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French and Portuguese would be an added advantage. |
Application Criteria and timeline:
Application Criteria
- A detailed CV highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
- A cover letter outlining their approach to the assignment and availability.
- Examples of previous science communication training or materials developed.
- Contact information for three references.
Timelines
The assignment is expected to last for 5 days, consisting of 3 days of preparation and 2 days of in-person training. The trainer may be required to travel to designated OFAB regional chapter.
Remuneration
AATF will renumerate the trainer at a rate consistent with market standards, providing a sum of USD 3,000 inclusive of applicable taxes after the completion of the training. Travel expenses save for insurance will be covered by AATF.
Submission
A full package of the proposal should be sent to: procurement@aatf-africa.org no later than November 11, 2024, with the subject line “OMAs 2024 trainer.”
Evaluation and award of the consultancy
AATF reserves the right to request new or additional information regarding each service provider and any individual or other persons associated with its project proposal. AATF reserves the right not to make any appointment from the proposals submitted.
Service providers shall not make available or disclose details pertaining to their Project proposal with anyone not specifically involved, unless authorized to do so by AATF. Service providers shall not issue any press release or other public announcement pertaining to details of their project proposal without the prior written approval.
AATF Service providers are required to declare any conflict of interest they may have in the transaction for which the tender is submitted or any potential conflict of interest. AATF reserves the right not to consider further any proposal where such a conflict of interest exists or where such potential conflict of interest may arise.
Confidentiality statement
All data and information received from AATF for the purpose of this assignment are to be treated confidential and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to AATF.
